frustrated

I had a great blog today about reentering the work force after being home. But something happened when I tried to post it. I am too frustrated to redo it now. Hopefully tomorrow, I can do it again, maybe even better.

Gotta love technology sometimes.

Reentering

As many of you, I think about returning to work someday. But I have a hard time picturing what that looks like. Should I teach again? If I do, can I do it as well as before? Will it eat me up emotionally so that I do not have as much to offer my own kids (if you do not know, I used to teach kids with severe EBD)? Could I get hired even if I wanted to?

I also say to myself, it was my choice to stay home and I am lucky to do it. And because of that choice, I should expect things to be different when returning to the work force. And now many businesses are seeing the value in women that have/had been home for a period of time.

In the Sept 25 Newsweek, they have an article about how women are finding on-ramps back into the business world more open than before. Businesses are figuring out that it is in their best interests to maintain relationships with women when they leave. Some continue to train them or even offer them work on a per diem basis.

I get the feeling that if you were to just ask for things from a former employer, you may get it. When I was first home with Caroline, I was looking for something to do. I called a former employer and asked if there was anything I could do for her from home. She gave it some thought and said yes. She asked if I could come into the office occassionally. I said I had Caroline and she said bring her. For a year and a half (until Grace), it worked out great.

It is amazing how things work out when you ask for what you need out loud. Someimes, God needs to hear you say it so that he can answer.

Mompreneurs

Did you know what the largest group of small business started in the US is? It is one-woman businesses. Most of these businesses are mothers who are looking to do a little something while they are staying home. They have become such a large group that a cottage industry is sprouting up around them. I have linked the biggest site to this blog, they are the one that coined and trademarked the phrase, mompreneurs.

There are a few reasons why this is such a big group now. Women are choosing to stay home more again, so there is more talent out they to be tapped. Women are more educated. And they are also more confident. All good things.

As some of us know, when you are staying home with kids, there are things that pop out at you. They are ideas that would make things easier. Now, women are taking those ideas to other moms and making businesses.

Also, women who are home have time to think. I know that when I was teaching, I was thinking about things for school. Now that I am home, sometimes I need to think about other things to stay sane. Those times are when ideas hit. And more often than not now, women are acting on those ideas.

I should also note, that it helps to have supportive spouses. In the reading that I have done lately, They note how important it is to have a spouse who you can share your needs and dreams with. I know I am lucky to have one.

Again, this is another great topic for women that I had not heard of until the Newsweek issues currently out. My biggest question though is if it is such a big group of people, why aren't more people talking about it?

Waste

The current issue of Newsweek (September 25th) has the cover Women & Leadership. I have not had a chance to read the whole thing yet, but what I have read so far, makes me think I will be doing a series of blogs on this issue.

The first thing that I read in this was The Last Word Anna Quindlen "Everyday Equality." The article has really struck home with me. I really like her thoughts on this topic and it seems to line up with what I have been thinking about lately.

She reminded me about how I used to be when I was young and idealistic. It was fun to argue and try and make a point with anyone who would take me on. Can you remember high school and maybe college where these things happened?

She also reminded me how blessed I am to have been born where and when I was. That many women have come before me and made things better for me. And how these women not only elevated themselves but the women around them and the companies that they worked for. More and more, people and companies are starting to see that if a variety of needs are met for families everyone benefits; including the bottom line of the company.

But the point she made about waste is the one that has stuck with me for days. She suggests that we (women) have not been fighting a war against men but really against waste. A waste of talent and the contribution to society that had been missed because of choice forced upon us.

I really like the thought of dismissing the waste. The waste of fighting amongst ourselves should be one of the first things to go, in my opinion. The Mommy Wars is a waste of energy and the focus should be on an issue that HELPS women instead of holds anyone back. There are lots of talented women in and out of the business world that can make huge contribution to society.

I feel that this way of thinking is more productive and closer to reality that the ideas of Linda Hirshmen (previously sited in this blog). Not that Ms. Hirshmen did not have some points, but I do not think she was doing anything to make matters better. While this way of thinking seems to have many productive possibilities for women to embrace. And after all, no group can be ignored when they are big enough or loud enough, or as pointed out in this magazine, if you can earn enough money.

Ms Quindlen sites a report from 2004 that Fortune 500 corporations with the most women in top positions yielded on average, 35% higher return on equity that those with the fewest women in top positions. This was a shocking statistic to me. Why is this not getting more attention??? Who would not want to have a 35% higher return on their money? Luckily, there are many in positions that can effect change that have seen this trend. And businesses are becoming more friendly to the idea of bringing women back into the workforce after they have chosen to leave for their families (young or old).

I am excited by this whole thing. I feel like we are on the edge of some sweeping changes. I really feel like women are about to make some big steps. This edition of Newsweek is full of encouraging articles that I feel the need to comment on. I hope that you find it interesting and enlightening as well.

Coming soon, Mompreneurs and Finding new on-ramps.

I am so blessed !!!

Kris has been at a conference since Sun and instead of being put out by it, it has really been a time to have some of my blessing pointed out for me. This has been different than the other trips Kris has taken. Maybe I am in a better place in my life. But it certainly does not hurt that the girls are older and we have a routine. Regardless, I have had an opportunity to realize I have many things to be thankful for.


I am thankful for many things but here is a small list that these last few days have highlighted:

• daughters that get along so well
• a home that keeps me warm in the cold
• the easy smiles I get from the girls
• the fact that they let me hold their hands
• meals together
• the little things that make them happy (reading a book)
• friends that want to help out
• The laughter when we play together
• the quiet when they are asleep
• and a husband who misses us and wants to come home.

The Minivan Debate

I am currently having one of those mental debates. It is over exactly how I feel about being a minivan owner.

One side of me is thinking about how logical it is to have one. It will be so much easier to maneuver the kids around. And it will be a real blessing to travel with.

The other side of me feels like I am giving in to a stereotype that I did not want to be. I am going to be one of those moms. You know, the ones "People" talk about. How they think they own the road, how they think you should get out of their way, etc. Then that little voice thows in that old people love them too.

I think that my biggest worry is that I am already all about my kids to a degree that I feel boring. And now I have a minivan to prove it.

Maybe it is just because I am about to turn 30. And I do not feel old until I add in that I am 30, married, have 2 kids, own a home, and now DRIVES A MINIVAN.

Now I know that many of you probably drive minivans already. And I know that this is all probably in my head. And I certainly do not mean to offend.And my friends keep telling me how great they are. There are just certain things that get stuck in my mind.

Oh well, I do know that this is truly the right decision. It makes perfect sense what we are doing. I just wish that the right thing and the wanted thing were always the same thing.

Couple of Things

I discovered a cool new thing at the library. They are partnering with some museums and historic site in the Metro area (I attached a link to my library but the information should be good at any metro location). You can now go to your local library and check out free passes (for 4 people) to these places. They are really easy to use as long as you have a library card. And redeeming them at the site was no problem

The girls and I did one last weekend. We went to Fort Snelling. It was so fun even through it was freezing. I have been wanting to go but for some reason we have never made it there. It is not like they are expensive but I guess it is too inconvenient to go. But considering that it is free, we could not turn it down.


Caroline enjoyed the whole thing. There was a lot of things to look at and explore. Grace had another napping tour. Unfortunatly we did not have a ton of time to spend there but I did feel super guilty about it because it was free.

The other thing is that I am officially a soccer mom. We have been looking for a minivan. Yesterday, the dealer we have been working with called to say he found one. So I am now a stay at home mom, who is policially active, and I now own a minivan. I am now sure I am ready for this step, but is it logical. I am told that once I am using it I will love it. I hope so.

What I learned . . .

I learned that I am not very good at sharing leadership responsibilities. I was asked to be head election judge by this woman. She asked me to help her and she requested me with the city. I agreed but when we work together, she really wants to be in charge and blow me off a bit. I do not handle that well. I have a real problem with being dismissed.

I also learned that when I delegate sometimes I still need to check things out. I trusted this other woman to do her part correctly but when I got to city hall it was not done right. I looked pretty dumb because I could not answer many questions because she had done the work. Lesson learned.

The most important thing that I learned is that Americans really take for granted their rights. It takes 10 minutes or less to vote. I worked for 14 hours yesterday and we only had 65 voters. I understand that it was a primary, but if you still have a responsibility to make informed choices. There is no reason for you to complain about the process if you are not doing anything to participate in it and make it better.

Last night on the news, I heard an example of how much we take for granted the priviledge we have to vote. A Hmong woman was naturalized a few days ago and was so proud to be able to vote she bought a special dress to show her respect and joy in being able to participate. She had been waiting and wanting to do this her whole lie. And many of us have been able to do this our whole life and choose not to even give it a thought.

I know many of you have kids and it is hard to get around with them all the time. But as an election judge, we look forward to kids coming in with their parents. We have long days and enjoy seeing kids. Plus, think about what you are teaching them. My parents took us every year and that has stuck with me my whole life.

Do you want to teach to child to be a responsible citizen or do you want to teach that that what they do does not matter?

Your vote is your loudest most power voice. Use it.

Harder to be gone

When I was a teacher, it was always harder to be gone. The preparing plans and the setting everything up made me feel like I could just as well be there.

I am coming to realize that it is the same thing with being a mom. Tomorrow I am an election judge for the Primary (be sure to vote, it is your most important power) and I have spent the entire day setting things up.

It is not that my kids are hard to deal with, I just want things to go well tomorrow. My dad is coming down and I just want him to have fun. It is just all the little things kids require that I worry about. And of course, I should really not sweat the small stuff. Someday I will be able to be like that.

This all is probably just a cover for the fact that I will not get to see the girls at all tomorrow. ;-)

Talented

I am not a scrapbooker. But I can appreciate the work and beauty of them. I have a couple of good friends that do this and have a real talent for it.

One of my friends has been a good friend since college. She moved away after graduation and we do not communicate as much as before. But, I found out that she has a website and blog. What a cool thing the internet is. I have been able to catch up and admire her work. I linked the site to this post.

I trully enjoy photography but have not honed my skill lately. Joanna (my friend) has done a great job and uses the amazing pictures to do amazing pages.


Now I need to brag about her a little. Not only does she have a great talent, but she now gets published many, many times (also on her website).

I am trully impressed with her work. As you can see, she can really tell a story.

Thanks Joanna for sharing your talent.

All I wanted . . .

All I wanted today was a professional picture of my girls. They took great pictures separately (Grace for 6 months and Caroline for 2 1/2 years) but Grace could not quite hold it together to do some together. I got one that works but Caroline looks a bit drugged. Next time group pictures first.

I have to say that the photographer was great!! I have been going to Sears portraits since Caroline was born and they have always done a great job. I linked their website in case you are looking for somewhere to go.

The photographer in me is also blown away by their equipment. They are all digital now and can do some great things with the pictures. Besides the enhancements, they can realign and zoom in on the pictures they take.

So, I came away with some super cute pictures today. I just did not get a great picture of them together.

Fun with Family

Labor Day weekend in the annual Rasmusson trip to Duluth. It is a lot of fun. The trip has changed a little in the last couple of years. By sheer coincidence, in the last couple of years children have been added to the mix.

It is a lot of fun to travel with the kids. And they sure love it too. Actually, they love being together and the rest of us just enjoy the show. We are trully blessed to have such good kids and that they love each other so much.

The Big kids had a fun tour of the city finding fun things to do. The biggest hit was throwing rocks into the Lake.

While the little kids had a great napping tour of town.

The other really cool thing about this trip is that it is not flashy, far away, or hard to do. I linked the Duluth website and it is a good guide to various things to so in town. There really is a little bit for everyone to do in the area. From outdoor activities to indoor fun, there is really something for everyone. Minnesota really has some great trips within its borders. Take your kids and enjoy some time together.

How soon we forget

My sister took Caroline on vacation a day early. I have to say, it is really weird to be down to one kid. Kris and I agree that it is great to have some time with Grace by herself. After all, she is getting big really quickly. I love it. She is really amazing all by herself. She is sitting up now and smiles all the time. The biggest problem with Caroline being gone, is that Grace seems to miss her. She has been looking around for her all morning. I couldn't be happier that they are bonded so well already.